The city is seeking to upgrade the city’s ethics code. Several changes have been proposed, including expanded penalties for violations, expanding the scope to cover people, adding a revolving door provision, and increasing the specificity of the gift definition.

Once finalized, approval by city council is expected early next year.

Photo of Spokane by Mark Wagner on Wikimedia Commons.

Lobbying

California: “California political watchdog sets sights on major cases” by Christopher Cadelago in The Sacramento Bee.

Florida: “Lobbying group wants a say in auditing process” by Rochelle Koff in Miami Herald’s Naked Politics blog.

Utah: “Las Vegas business leaders broaden approach to DC lobbying” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Campaign Finance

“Supreme Court may strike new blow to campaign funding laws” by David G. Savage in the Los Angeles Times.

Arizona: “Campaign finance law throws twist at candidates” by The Associated Press in KSAZ Fox10 News.

Arkansas: “Ethics panel: Candidate’s corporation can’t provide free office space” by John Lyon in the Arkansas News.

Delaware: “Illegal donations to Jack Markell’s 2008 campaign discovered” by Maureen Milford in The News Journal.

Wisconsin: “Political Conduits: Pouring Millions Into Wisconsin Elections” by Tim Morrissey in Public News Service.

Ethics

“Senate confirms Obama’s FEC nominees” by Byron Tau in Politico.

Georgia: “Claims in ex-Ga. Ethics Commission leader’s lawsuit call agency’s independence into question” by The Associated Press in the Seymour Tribune.

Georgia: “LaBerge Gets Raise As Ethics Comm. Cuts Costs” by The Associated Press on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

State Legislatures

Florida: “Lawmakers return to Tallahassee for committee week” by Michael Van Sickler in the Miami Herald.

State and Federal Communications, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of two more municipalities to its website. Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago with a population of 143,684, has been added to the Lobbying Laws, Political Contributions, and Procurement Lobbying publications. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s capital, becomes the second municipality in the Canadian Compliance publication.

Our clients will find comprehensive, timely, and accurate information that includes: complete calendars of reporting deadlines; critical statutory citations; extensive directories of contact information; summaries of the law; detailed reference charts on goods and services contributions; highlights of every statute; copies of all required forms; and much more.

The number of municipalities and regional governments our research associates track continues to grow. We now cover more than 230 municipalities and local governments. This is part of a continuous effort to better serve the needs of our clients.

Gov. John Kitzhaber has announced he will call a one-day special legislative session on September 30, 2013. The special session bill package would raise tax revenues to provide $100 million for K-12 education and $40 million for higher education to prevent tuition increases in the 2013-15 biennium.

It is not yet clear whether the legislative caucuses have the votes to pass all the bills in the package.

Kitzhaber has indicated he will sign none of the bills unless all bills pass.

The Ethics Commission has issued an informal memorandum regarding a new training certification requirement for lobbyist registration.

Beginning September 19, 2013, Part C of the registration form will require the lobbyist to certify he or she has completed the required training in the last two-year period or will complete the training prior to being a regulated lobbyist for two years.

The next live training is scheduled for October 21, 2013. Lobbyists can verify their training status and complete the training online by accessing their account at https://lobby.ethics.state.md.us.

Democratic mayoral candidate William Thompson conceded and threw his support behind leading vote-getter and fellow Democrat Bill de Blasio.

However, because Thompson failed to withdraw from the race by the September 13 deadline, the mayoral runoff will continue to appear on the runoff ballot.

The runoff election is set for October 1, 2013.

De Blasio will face Republican Joe Lhota in the November 5 general election.

Photo of the New York City skyline by AngMoKio on Wikimedia Commons.

January 28, 2014 has been set as the date of a special election for the vacant 78th House District seat.

Local committee members from each party will select the nominees in conjunction with the state party.

As a result, there will be no primary election.

Gov. Scott Walker has called a special election to fill a vacancy in the 21st Assembly District.

The election will be held November 19, 2013.

If more than one candidate files for the seat, a primary election will be held October 22, 2013.

On September 18, Donald F. McGahn II announced his resignation from the Federal Election Commission (FEC). McGahn served with the commission since 2008.

Currently, President Obama’s two new nominations for the commission, Anne Ravel and Lee E. Goodman, are in the process of being confirmed as commissioners with the FEC. On September 17, they both received unanimous approval from the Senate Rules and Administration Committee. Ravel is the chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Goodman is a partner with the law firm of LeClairRyan.

Without McGahn, the FEC has only four of the six required commissioners serving, all with expired terms.

National:

Tax Filings Hint at Extent of Koch Brothers’ Reach

New York Times – Nicholas Confessore | Published: 9/12/2013

Freedom Partners, a nonprofit with ties to Charles and David Koch, provided grants of $236 million to conservative organizations before the 2012 election. The group reflects a shift in the tax strategies the Koch operation deploys to avoid challenge from the IRS which limits how much nonprofit groups can spend to aid or defeat candidates.

Federal:

Former FEC Chairman Donald McGahn Resigns from Panel

Washington Post – Reid Wilson | Published: 9/17/2013

Donald McGahn reigned from the FEC to return to private law practice at Patton Boggs. McGahn, a Republican, clashed frequently with Democrats as he helped push a conservative interpretation of campaign finance laws and persistent skepticism about government oversight of campaigns. His term expired in 2009, but it was not until this year that a replacement was nominated amid a state of gridlock at the agency.

Red Cape Drawing Bids during Jackson Jr. Auction

BusinessWeek – Michael Tarm (Associated Press) | Published: 9/18/2013

Memorabilia once owned by former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.) is being auctioned off by the U.S. Marshals after his guilty plea in a corruption case. A dozen items including autographed Bruce Lee and Michael Jackson collectibles and furs formerly belonging to Jackson went up for auction, with the bidding ending September 26. Whatever money is generated will be subtracted from the $750,000 he owes the government.

From the States and Municipalities:

Arizona – Commission Challenges Campaign Spending Hikes

Arizona Daily Sun – Howard Fischer (Capitol News Services) | Published: 9/19/2013

The Arizona Citizens Clean Election Commission believes Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Mark Brain erred in concluding state lawmakers are free to reset campaign contribution limits. The commission asked the Court of Appeals to overturn Brain’s ruling that allowed the higher caps to take effect on September 13. The appellate judges agreed to consider the request on October 9.

California – Campaign Finance Bills Fare Poorly in California Legislature

Los Angeles Times – Chris Megerian and Melanie Mason | Published: 9/17/2013

Bills that would have increased the power of the Fair Political Practices Commission, increased fines for violations, and forced greater disclosure of donors, among other measures, all stalled in the California Legislature. It remains to be seen whether new campaign finance rules could be put in place before next year’s June primary or even the November general election.

Florida – After Questions, Gov. Rick Scott Cancels $25,000 Alligator Hunt Fundraiser

Tampa Bay Times – Steve Bousquet | Published: 9/11/2013

Gov. Rick Scott has called off an alligator hunting trip to raise funds for his 2014 re-election campaign. Golfing weekends, concerts, and deep-sea fishing fundraisers are common in Florida politics, but a gator hunt was such an anomaly that it made major news among bloggers and political Web sites.

Georgia – Clock Running Out on Free Football Tickets for Politicians

Marietta Daily Journal – Ray Henry (Associated Press) | Published: 9/15/2013

A new law taking effect on January 1 bans lobbyists from giving Georgia officials free college football tickets. Disclosure reports show lobbyists have given politicians almost $1,400 in football tickets and related entertainment since the start of the season in late August. Last year, registered lobbyists shelled out more than $14,000 in tickets and perks at the games.

Indiana – Indiana Utility Regulators, under Pressure, Say They Won’t Take Industry Money to Fund Conference

Indianapolis Star – John Russell | Published: 9/12/2013

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission dropped a plan to seek money from utility trade groups to help pay for a conference of energy regulators from 14 states despite gaining clearance from the state Ethics Commission. Leaders of consumer and environmental groups had objected to the fundraising, saying it presented conflicts-of-interest for the state panel that approves electricity and natural gas rates to ask the utility industry for money.

Missouri – Rep. Penny Hubbard Provided Key Vote for Two Overrides; Son Got Lobbying Jobs

St. Louis Post-Dispatch – Virginia Young | Published: 9/13/2013

Missouri Rep. Penny Hubbard provided key votes to help override vetoes of bills on which her son had recently been hired as a lobbyist. In one instance, Hubbard had initially voted against a bill limiting lawsuits against the Doe Run Co. But she joined the Republican majority in overriding Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto. One day earlier, her son had gotten a lobbying job with Doe Run.

Montana – Federal Judge Says Montana’s Campaign Disclosure Requirement Is Constitutional

Washington Post – Matt Goras (Associated Press) | Published: 9/17/2013

U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen ruled Montana’s requirement that political committees disclose their campaign spending is constitutional. Christensen wrote the public’s right to know who is financing campaigns outweighs the minimal burden imposed on committees required to report the information.

Pennsylvania – Pa. Capitol Portraits Display Plenty of Conviction

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Kate Giammarise | Published: 9/16/2013

The portraits of past House and Senate leaders lining the Capitol’s hallways include several former Pennsylvania legislators now in prison on a variety of corruption-related charges. Despite the resemblance to a rogues’ gallery in some places, the paintings likely are not going anywhere.

Texas – DeLay Conviction Overturned

Houston Chronicle – Mike Snyder and Patricia Kilday Hart | Published: 9/19/2013

An appeals court threw out the criminal conviction of former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, saying there was insufficient evidence for a jury in 2010 to have found him guilty of money laundering and conspiracy for helping illegally funnel corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002. Delay was sentenced to three years in prison, but his sentence was on hold while his case made its way through the appellate process.

Virginia – Former Chef Pleads No Contest to Stealing Food from Va. Governor’s Mansion

Washington Post – Rosalind Helderman and Laura Vozzella | Published: 9/19/2013

Todd Schneider, the former chef at the Virginia governor’s mansion, pleaded no contest to reduced charges that he stole food from the first family’s kitchen and was ordered to repay the state $2,300, resolving the dispute that sparked a political and legal crisis for Gov. Robert McDonnell, and entangled state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, the Republican candidate for governor.

Washington – Public Disclosure Commission Hacked

Tacoma News Tribune – Rachel LaCorte (Associated Press) | Published: 9/18/2013

The Washington Public Disclosure Commission’s (PDC) network was breached earlier in September, though officials said no information was compromised. Michael Smith, the PDC’s chief technology officer, said passwords have been changed and the agency has been scanning its sites looking for potential points of vulnerability.

State and Federal Communications produces a weekly summary of national news, offering more than 80 articles per week focused on ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.

News You Can Use is a news service provided at no charge only to clients of our online Executive Source Guides, or ALERTS™ consulting clients.

Lobbying

Maryland: “Fresh out of Md. Senate, Garagiola joins law firm with major Annapolis lobbying presence” by John Wagner in The Washington Post.

Wisconsin: “Spending on lobbying down in Wisconsin as unions continue to reel from Act 10” by Jack Craver in The Capital Times.

Campaign Finance

“$1 million campaign donations: Coming soon?” by Byron Tau in Politico.

“It’s Time To End Our Failed Affair With Campaign Finance Laws” op/ed by Paul Sherman in Forbes.

“PACs spent more at state level than on federal campaigns” by Reid Wilson in The Washington Post.

“FEC Disclosure Takes a Hit in Nonelection Years” by Tony Raymond in Politico’s Moneyline.

California: “Campaign finance bills fare poorly in California Legislature” by Chris Megerian and Melanie Mason in the Los Angeles Times.

North Carolina: “Dome: GOP candidates received most PAC money in 2011-12” by Lynn Bonner and Rob Christensen in the News & Observer.

Ethics

Louisiana: “Ex-La. lawmaker asks to remain free on bond” by The Associated Press in the Baton Rouge Advocate.

New York: “Oops. Ethics board leader forgot to renew his law license” by Martha Neil in the ABA Journal.

Washington: “Spokane mayor proposes city ethics ‘upgrade’” by Nicholas Deshais in The Spokesman-Review.

State Legislatures

Oregon: “Governor pushing special session” by Hannah Hoffman in the Statesman Journal.

Elections

Florida: “Fla. Elections Commission Wants Garnishment Power” by Ryan Benk on WFSU News.

New Jersey: “N.J. can continue to use electronic voting machines, court rules” by The Associated Press in the Star-Ledger.

Pennsylvania: “Special election date set for the 78th state House district seat” by Jan Murphy in the Patriot-News.

Lobbying

“Senior Cornyn counsel joins McBee Strategic” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.

Minnesota: “Lobbyists spend most time, money lobbying mining bill in Wisconsin Legislature” by Scott Bauer (Associated Press) in the Star Tribune.

Campaign Finance

“Next big case on campaign contribution limits likely depends on chief justice’s vote” by Debra Cassens Weiss in ABA Journal.

“Bachmann Hires ‘Fixer’ for Campaign Money Troubles” by Emily Pierce and Eliza Newlin Carney in Roll Call.

“Report: Boehner Has Campaign Finance Troubles” by Matt Fuller in Roll Call.

Delaware: “Special prosecutor probes Gov. Jack Markell’s 2008 campaign” by Maureen Milford in the News Journal.

Pennsylvania: “U.S. subpoenas records of five Phila. Judges” by Craig R. McCoy, Mark Fazlollah, and Dylan Purcell in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Rhode Island: “R.I. Board of Elections owed more than $1.4 million in campaign fines” by Philip Marcelo in the Providence Journal.

Ethics

Florida: “Ethics panel to review Fla. Gov. finances” by The Associated Press in the South Florida Times.

Pennslvania: “Ethics panel asked to review promotion of AG’s sister” by John Finnerty in the Tribune-Democrat.

Elections

California: “Voting Rights Act leading California cities to dump at-large elections” by Jean Merl in the Los Angeles Times.

Senate President Don Gaetz is calling for random audits of lobbying firm compensation reports. Gaetz says funding was never set aside for audits to be performed in the past, so he has asked the Senate general counsel to determine what powers the Legislature has to provide funding to conduct audits going forward.

House Speaker Will Weatherford has already indicated his support for the proposal.

A new law in Arizona raising the limits of political contributions to candidates took effect today. Individuals and noncertified political committees will now be able to give $2,000 to candidates running for legislative and statewide offices who do not participate in the state’s Citizens Clean Elections Act campaign financing system. Contributions made to candidates running for local office may be made in amounts up to $2,500. Contribution limits by committees certified by the secretary of state have also been increased.

Additionally, the new law removes aggregate contribution limitations for individuals and some political committees.

Meanwhile, a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new law, which was brought by the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission and others from the state, is pending in Maricopa County Superior Court.